Afyonkarahisar in Mawlawiyah

This thesis comprehensively examines the historical development of the Mawlawiyah and the central role of Afyonkarahisar in this process. The Sufi order founded by Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, systematized by Sultān Walad, and spread to wider audiences by Ulū Arif Chalabi and Divāne Mehmed Chalabi, has deep roots in Afyonkarahisar. Recognized as the second center of the Mawlawiyah, Afyonkarahisar's historical, social, and mystical foundations in this context are thoroughly analyzed in this study. Through the spiritual guidance activities of Sultān Walad and the travels of Ulū Arif Chalabi, the Mevlevī tradition became firmly established in the city. The first Mevlevī lodge (Mevlevīkhāna) in Afyonkarahisar evolved both spiritually and socially, transforming the city into a hub of Mevlevī culture and art. Special emphasis is placed on the recognition of Divāne Mehmed Chalabi as the "Pīr-i Thānī" (second founder) of the Mawlawiyah. Divāne Mehmed Chalabi played a critical role in preserving the principles of the order and spreading it across the Ottoman territories. Through the establishment of lodges during his travels to various regions, he spread Mawlawiyah across a vast geography, including Anatolia as well as Egypt and Algeria, thereby significantly expanding the influence of the order. His poetic treatise dedicated to Samaʿ deepened the understanding of the Samaʿ ceremony and ensured its written documentation in its final form. Divāne Mehmed Chalabi's efforts to transform the Qarāhisārī Sāhib Mevlevīkhāna into a center of knowledge, art, and spirituality greatly enriched the Mevlevī culture in the region. During his tenure as a spiritual leader, the social structure of the city aligned with Mevlevī values, fostering elements such as tolerance, unity, and spiritual growth among the populace. Afyonkarahisar and the Qarāhisārī Sāhib Mevlevīkhāna played a pivotal role in preserving and transmitting the Mevlevī heritage at both regional and international levels. The thesis also highlights the position of women with in the Mawlawiyah. The value Mawlānā placed on women is evident in their roles in Mevlevī ceremonies and social life. Female Mevlevīs, particularly in Afyonkarahisar, assumed active roles and held significant positions in society. Women such as Muṭahhara Khatūn, Güneş Khatūn, and Destīna Khatūn participated in Samaʿ gatherings, engaged in spiritual guidance activities, and even temporarily managed the lodge as trustees of the foundation. These examples reflect the importance placed on women in the Mawlawiyah and their contributions to its legacy. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the literature by analyzing the central role of Afyonkarahisar in the Mawlawiyah, the societal and cultural structures shaped by Mevlevī values, the social and cultural transformations during Divāne Mehmed Chalabi's leadership, and the influence of Mevlevī teachings on the history of Anatolian Sufism through the lens of Afyonkarahisar. The unique role of Afyonkarahisar as a center of Mevlevī spiritual heritage constitutes the main axis of this study.